What is a "coffee washing station"?

A "coffee washing station" is accurately defined as an essential facility where coffee beans are processed and prepared for sale. This facility plays a crucial role in the post-harvest handling of coffee. After coffee cherries are harvested, they undergo a washing process to remove the outer pulp and mucilage, which helps in preserving the quality of the beans. The washing station typically includes equipment for cleaning, fermenting, and drying the coffee, ultimately ensuring that the beans are properly prepared for export and sale.

The other options do not accurately capture the primary function of a coffee washing station. While tasting and grading coffee beans is an important part of the coffee supply chain, it does not relate directly to the washing process. Selling finished coffee products happens at different market locations rather than at the washing station itself. Storage of surplus coffee can occur after processing but is not the role of a washing station, which is more focused on the initial processing stages right after harvesting.